Best of FYF Fest 2014

Yeah sure, FYF Fest 2014 wasn't perfect, but we found the event to be quite excellent in many ways, not least of which was the diversity of artists on the bill.

With performers ranging from aught-rock goliaths Interpol and the Strokes, punk-rappers Run the Jewels, ambiance-oriented DJ acts Four Tet and Jamie XX, and everyone's favorite sister act Haim, there was something for just about everyone. Below are our picks for the best of the festival.

Angel Olsen

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For those who came early enough on Saturday, Angel Olsen's dark and dreamy set was a brilliant start to the weekend. Since the release of the acclaimed Burn Your Fire For No Witness earlier this year 2014, the St. Louis singer-songwriter has been busy touring North America and Europe. Her performance at FYF was a long-awaited return to L.A. after her last show at the Echoplex back in March. Her star has certainly risen since then, so expectations were high. But with guitar work that bridged the gap between twangy folk and earthly transcendence, and Olsen's stand-out vocal stylings, she was captivating. -Artemis Thomas-Hansard

The Trees ?Stage?

Directly across from the L.A Coliseum, with the Olympic torch ?burning, The ?Trees stage created the aesthetic of watching a concert in ?a ?forest—surrounded by tall cedar trees. The serene background was juxtaposed by the lineup, which included blistering sets by Ty Segall, the Bronx, The Murder City Devils, Deafheaven, and The Blood Brothers. ?-?Art Tavana

Ty Segall

Photo by Timothy Norris

Ty Segall

Speaking of Segall, at FYF he ripped into tracks from his much anticipated forthcoming album, Manipulator, and instantly set the crowd ablaze. With drum lines backed by Church organ-like keys, it was impossible not to dance — or mosh, which there was plenty of. With rock powerhouse Mikal Cronin at his side, Segall's shredding was flawless, as he exploded like a firecracker. -Artemis Thomas-Hansard

Mac DeMarco

Photo by Timothy Norris

Mac DeMarco's Soundcheck ??

Wearing a moth-ravaged Simpsons shirt and faded Viceroy ball cap, ?and looking? like h?e hand't slept in days?, Mac DeMarco came out ?prior to his set to tune his rickety guitar?. Standing next to him was his new guitar player, who proceeded to ?r?ead off ?what sounded like someone's ??wacky obituary (?"?he moved to L.A., ?still ?a virgin?"?). DeMarco fiddled with a keyboard, which never seemed to work. At one point, ?he even faked out the crowd by starting a song — ?and then abruptly stopping ?. DeMarco's gap-toothed grin seemed quite MAD ?magazine. -?Art Tavana

The Blood Brothers

The Blood Brothers disbanded in 2007, making their announcement that they'd play FYF this year a big deal. They did not seem out of practice, however; after powering through beloved tracks like "Set Fire to the Face on Fire," vocalists Jordan Blilie and Johnny Whitney closed the set with a giant bear hug, which seemed to indicate that the Blood Bros are as tight as ever. -Artemis Thomas-Hansard

Albert Hammond Jr.

Photo by Timothy Norris

Albert Hammond Jr.'s Guitar Work

Taking off his ?navy varsity jacket ? midway through their set?, Strokes?'? guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. strummed so furiously you wondered how his Strat still had its six strings by the end. He relentlessly tore through tracks like "Reptilia," sending a nostalgic, life-affirming e?lect?r?ical? current through the crowd. It felt effortless for ?Hammond, but for everyone else, it looked like sparks were flying off his guitar?. -?Art Tavana